#China #Beijing #UNESCO #Lee Kum Kee #culinary heritage

Lee Kum Kee Collaborates with UNESCO on 'Forever Flavors Project'

On January 26, 2026, Lee Kum Kee Sauce, the world's leading brand in sauces and condiments, announced a significant partnership with UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) to establish the 'Forever Flavors Project.' This initiative was officially launched in Beijing, aiming to collect culinary stories from around the globe, creating an archive known as the 'Flavour Memories'. Its primary goal is to foster intercultural dialogue and emotional connections through food while promoting sustainable preservation and the intergenerational transmission of culinary traditions.

Purpose of the Partnership

The collaboration between Lee Kum Kee and UNESCO focuses on four central priorities: protecting culinary cultural heritage, nurturing culinary talent, building platforms for intercultural dialogues, and enhancing public engagement. Overall, the initiative seeks to conserve and share food-related memories that transcend geographic and temporal boundaries.

The 'Forever Flavors Project' officially opened for contributions on January 20, with a call to action for individuals worldwide. Participants are invited to share their flavour stories through text, photos, and videos on various social media platforms, including RedNote, Lee Kum Kee's official Instagram, and WeChat accounts. Posts should use hashtags like #ForeverFlavorsProject to ensure their stories are included. Select submissions will be featured on UNESCO and Lee Kum Kee's official platforms, with authors receiving a digital certificate bearing a unique archival number as part of this project.

Celebrating Culinary Heritage

At the launch ceremony, Daniel Shih, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer of the Lee Kum Kee Group, highlighted the significance of food in cultural identity. He remarked, “Lee Kum Kee has been at the heart of kitchens and family tables since 1888, offering not just familiar tastes but a sense of home and assurance carried by ‘flavour memories.'”

Professor Shahbaz Khan, Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia, emphasized the role of food as a 'living heritage' that carries memories, identity, and emotions, forming a vital connection between generations. He expressed excitement about the collaboration, affirming its potential to preserve culture through shared values and mutual respect.

The ceremony featured four guest speakers, including prominent chefs and food bloggers, who shared personal stories that highlighted the connections between food, memory, and cultural identity. Their experiences illustrated the project's core message: that food serves as an essential medium for emotional expression and cultural understanding.

An Invitation to Participate

The 'Forever Flavors Project' mission is not limited to preserving recipes. It invites participation from both professional chefs and home cooks who wish to keep their culinary heritage alive and current. By encouraging a diverse range of input, Lee Kum Kee aims to create a rich tapestry of flavours that speak to the human experience across borders.

Food is a universal language that can bridge cultures, making it one of the shortest and most sincere avenues for establishing friendships and understanding. Thus, Lee Kum Kee, with its 138 years of commitment to connecting taste and human relationships, emphasizes its mission to enhance the culinary experience and promote intercultural dialogue.

As the project progresses, Lee Kum Kee warmly invites individuals around the world to share their unique culinary memories, contributing to the 'Flavour Memories' archive. Together, through shared stories, the project promises to enrich our understanding of culture and foster a more interconnected world

About Lee Kum Kee

Founded in 1888 and now in its sixth generation, the Lee Kum Kee Group aims to be the most trusted brand for a healthier, happier world for over 1,000 years. Initially a manufacturer of sauces, the company has diversified into various sectors while maintaining its stronghold in traditional Chinese medicines and culinary arts. With more than 9,000 employees worldwide, Lee Kum Kee continues to expand its global influence, offering creative culinary solutions through over 300 varieties of sauces and condiments.

About UNESCO

Founded in 1945, UNESCO works to strengthen the bonds of humanity through the promotion of education, culture, science, and communication. Partnering with governments across the globe, UNESCO develops international standards and legal instruments to address some of the most pressing challenges today, aiming to build a more just and peaceful world.